Disaster Behavioral Health

Following an emergency event, it is common for individuals and families in and around the affected region to experience distress and anxiety about safety, health, and recovery. People may display symptoms and reactions such as:

• Emotional symptoms such as irritability or excessive sadness.

• Cognitive dysfunction such as difficulty making decisions or following directions.

• Physical symptoms such as headache, stomach pain, or difficulty breathing.

• Behavioral reactions such as consuming more alcohol or interpersonal conflict.

• Failure to adhere to needed physical or psychiatric medication needs.

Other factors that can influence how people respond to disaster include:

• Residents may be displaced, living in temporary emergency shelters, and separated from their usual support systems.

• Circumstances may make it difficult to learn the status of recovery efforts or the condition of friends, family, and communities.

• Exposure of responders and volunteers to widespread destruction or hazardous materials may result in distress or need for support.

Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other emergencies highlight the need for behavioral health capabilities:

• Exposure to trauma can trigger additional health care needs immediately after an emergency and for years afterward.

• Studies correlate trauma with later cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neurological illness, as well as psychiatric diagnoses like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

• Costs associated with treating these problems also increase.

Behavioral health professionals trained in disaster response often work in shelters, medical facilities, or communities to facilitate resiliency and recovery by:

• Providing psycho-education and information on hazards.

• Engaging in supportive listening.

• Screening individuals at risk for long-term adverse reactions.

• Ensuring referral to appropriate medical, psychological, or tangible services.